Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. reported Monday that focus crimes declined by 25 percent during the first two months of 2026, reflecting sustained improvements in peace and order nationwide.
From January 1 to February 28, 2026, focus crimes dropped to 4,532 cases, or 1,549 fewer incidents compared to 6,081 cases in the same period last year. Decreases were noted across major categories, including murder (586 to 505), homicide (189 to 172), physical injuries (777 to 556), and rape (1,563 to 605). Theft also declined from 1,964 to 1,769, while carnapping of motor vehicles and motorcycles decreased from 45 to 28 and 380 to 295, respectively.
For February alone, focus crimes fell to 2,269 cases, or 566 fewer incidents compared to 2,835 cases in February 2025. During the same month, murder cases decreased from 270 to 242, physical injuries from 368 to 284, and rape from 707 to 301. Theft slightly declined from 943 to 879, while motor vehicle carnapping dropped from 14 to 12 and motorcycle carnapping from 182 to 162.
Nartatez attributed the decline to focused operations under the Enhanced Managing Police Operations.
“Inia-attribute natin ang pagbaba ng krimen sa mas maayos na deployment, mas mabilis na pagresponde, at mas epektibong koordinasyon. Patuloy nating pinaiigting ang data-driven interventions,” he said.
He emphasized the vital role of local government units and the public in sustaining peace and order.
The PNP reaffirmed its commitment to support the peace and development agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., assuring continued efforts to sustain the downward trend in crime under Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.
P1.6 Billion Seized in Illegal Drugs in February
Nartatez also reported that the police seized P6.5 billion worth of suspected illegal drugs in February. This includes 1.29 million grams of dried marijuana leaves; 1.22 million pieces of marijuana plants; 25.14 kilograms of shabu; 1.48 kilograms of marijuana kush; 208 grams of ecstasy; and 1 gram of cocaine. A total of 4,782 individuals were arrested over drug-related charges, while two were killed during police operations.
He added that the police confiscated P1.55 billion worth of alleged contraband, arresting 522 individuals in 1,520 anti-smuggling operations from February 1 to 28, 2026.
The police also arrested 980 individuals and took custody of 3,049 firearms for violations of Republic Act 10591 (Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).
In the same press briefing, Nartatez ordered the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) to review cases against officers implicated in alleged killings since 2022.
“Please get the data and look at the data starting July of 2022 to present para ma-cleanse natin (Please get the data and look at the data starting July of 2022 to present so that we can cleanse it.),” Nartatez said, directing DIDM Director Brig. Gen. Matthew Baccay, who joined the briefing.